Autoline This Week Episode Archives

“Turbocharged with BorgWarner”

James Verrier, President & COO, BorgWarner, Joe Szczesny, Oakland Press, Drew Winter, WardsAuto.com. Topic: BorgWarner.

Despite being one of the largest and most successful automotive suppliers in the world, most consumers only know the BorgWarner name from its connection to the Indianapolis 500. It has sponsored the winner's trophy since 1935. And despite the products it does produce for racing, namely its turbo systems, this company founded in the 19th century produces high-tech powertrain components along with a variety of other automotive products for cars across the globe. Joining John McElroy on Autoline This Week is James Verrier, the company's current President and Chief Operating Office. Drew Winter from WardsAuto.com and Joe Szczesy of the Oakland Press join in on the discussion.

“Used Car Market”

Ricky Beggs, Black Book, Ron MacEachern, Suburban Chrysler Jeep Dodge, Steve Finlay, WardsAuto Dealer Business. Topic: Retail Car Sales.

Cash for Clunkers may have been great for the manufacturers at the time, but few realized the long term impact it would have on the used car market. Even today – close to four years later – the prices for good used cars are still rocketing skyward. Whether they come from the auto auctions, trade-ins or even Internet sites, thanks to the combination of Clunker destruction and a stagnate economy, the used market continues to be a hot commodity. And John McElroy has the topic covered with his Autoline panel including: Ricky Beggs from the Internet site Black Book, Ron MacEachern, the General Manager from the Detroit area dealership the Suburban Collection and Steve Finlay from WardsAuto.com

“AutoNation's Mike Jackson: What Cars People are Buying and Why”

Mike Jackson, Chairman and CEO, AutoNation, Steve Finlay, WardsAuto Dealer Business, Craig Trudell, Bloomberg News. Topic: AutoNation Car Dealers.

You may be buying your car from the biggest auto dealer in the country and not even know it. AutoNation has over 200 dealerships selling cars under 18 different local brands around the USA. From luxury to economy, from Sacramento to Orlando, this 16-year old corporation has the country blanketed with cars so if there’s any one person who has a good sense of where the retail is heading in this industry it’s Mike Jackson. On Autoline This Week the Chairman & CEO of AutoNation joins John McElroy to share his views on the state of the auto industry and where it goes from here.

“The Materials War”

Ganesh Panneer, Sales & Marketing, Novelis, Rose Ryntz, Senior Director, IAC, Blake Zuidema, Director, ArcelorMittal USA. Topic: High-strength and lightweight materials.

Heavy steel, hard plastic and thick rubber used to dominate an automaker’s assembly line. But these days those elements have been replaced by high strength, lighter weight cousins of the earlier versions along with newer materials, like aluminum. On this week’s Autoline, John McElroy introduces you to his panel of materials experts who talk about how their latest products are impacting the auto industry. Joining John on his panel are Rose Ryntz from IAC talking about the new softer, stronger plastics, Blake Zuidema from steel manufacturer ArcelorMittal discussing today’s high strength steel and Ganesh Panneer from Novelis, who provides lightweight aluminum to many auto manufacturers.

“Big Shoes”

Mary Barra, Senior Vice President, Global Product Development, GM, Michelle Krebs, Edmunds.com, Jeff Bennett, The Wall Street Journal. Topic: GM Product.

When GM product guru Bob Lutz retired, many automotive insiders wondered what would happen to the company’s revived product line and, more importantly, who would fill those big shoes. It turns out they didn’t have to look very hard. GM veteran Mary Barra was appointed Senior Vice President of Global Product Development soon after and the stunning products have kept rolling off the line. This week on her first visit to the Autoline studios host John McElroy is joined by panelists Michelle Krebs from Edmunds.com and Jeff Bennett from the Wall Street Journal to talk to Ms. Barra about the company and her vision for future GM products.

“Second Hand”

Ricky Beggs, Black Book, Ron MacEachern, Suburban Chrysler Jeep Dodge, Steve Finlay, WardsAuto Dealer Business. Topic: Retail Car Sales.

Cash for Clunkers may have been great for the manufacturers at the time, but few realized the long term impact it would have on the used car market. Even today – close to four years later – the prices for good used cars are still rocketing skyward. Whether they come from the auto auctions, trade-ins or even Internet sites, thanks to the combination of Clunker destruction and a stagnate economy, the used market continues to be a hot commodity. And John McElroy has the topic covered with his Autoline panel including: Ricky Beggs from the Internet site Black Book, Ron MacEachern, the General Manager from the Detroit area dealership the Suburban Collection and Steve Finlay from WardsAuto.com

“Retooling the Standard”

Don Butler, VP, Marketing, Cadillac, Tim Higgins, Bloomberg News, Aaron Bragman, IHS Automotive. Topic: Cadillac.

It used to be a Cadillac world. Recognized as the top luxury car, its name became synonymous with the best of anything. But then came the 1980s with production issues, an aging demographic and worse, competition from around the world. Suddenly, as Eric Burdon and The Animals sang, their best just wasn’t good enough. For 5, 10, 20 years, the brand wavered until the latest models have shown a bit of life. The man in charge of restoring the luxury nameplate to the top is Don Butler, VP of Global Marketing for Cadillac. He is John McElroy’s special guest on Autoline This Week. Joining the panel are Tim Higgins from Bloomberg and Aaron Bragman from IHS Automotive.

“Behind Closed Doors”

Ed Welburn, GM Vice President of Global Design, Peter De Lorenzo, Autoextremist.com. Topic: GM Design.

Automakers protect their secrets like the U.S. Army guards Fort Knox. And the biggest secrets they have are their future designs. That’s why few people and fewer cameras are granted access to the inner sanctum of automotive design studios. So it is with great pleasure that John McElroy and the Autoline crew take you inside one of the most historic buildings in the auto industry, as well as one of the toughest to gain admittance, General Motors Design. Global Design Chief Ed Welburn talks with John and Peter De Lorenzo of the Autoextremist.com before giving them a behind-the-scenes tour through this top secret facility.

Click here to see more of GM Design on Autoline After Hours.

“Maximum Bob’s Garage”

Peter De Lorenzo, Autoextremist.com, Bob Lutz, Retired Executive, All-Around Car Guy. Topic: Bob Lutz's garage.

Hidden down a long driveway behind two locked gates and four garage doors is the private car collection of one of the most respected “car guys” in history, Bob Lutz. Rarely do journalists get a glimpse of these cars let alone an exclusive tour as he gave Autoline. So join host John McElroy and Peter De Lorenzo of the Autoextremist.com as “Maximum Bob” gives them a look at some of his prized cars including a 1934 LaSalle, his unique ‘70s Swiss-made Monteverdi and even the 1952 Aston Martin DB2 he found completely by accident a few years ago which originally belonged to his father. Exotic cars, rare motorcycles and even collector bikes all from the garage of Bob Lutz this week on Autoline.

Click here to see more of Bob's garage and his cars on Autoline After Hours.

“Engines of Change”

Paul Ingrassia, Author, Engines of Change, Todd Lassa, Motor Trend, Drew Winter, WardsAuto World. Topic: Fifteen cars that had the biggest impact on American society and culture.

Pick up any car magazines and you’ll find lists. Lists for best car, lists for worst MPGs, lists for most collectible and so on. But the one list that Pulitzer Prize-winning author Paul Ingrassia could not find is the subject of his new book “Engines of Change.” Mr. Ingrassia looked at our car culture and has come up with a list of vehicles and how they have impacted our entire American society. John McElroy leads a fascinating discussion with Mr. Ingrassia and panelists Todd Lassa from Motor Trend & Drew Winter from WardsAuto.com.

“Innovation for All”

Carla Bailo, Senior VP, R & D, Nissan Americas, Lindsay Brooke, Automotive Engineering Int’l, Brent Snavely, Detroit Free Press. Topic: Nissan R&D.

How to break the ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) ceiling? Some manufacturers don’t think we need to and continue to upgrade their current crop of engines. But then there are companies like Nissan-Renault, whose leader Carlos Ghosn, gave the world the all-electric Leaf and is continuing down that path.

As Senior VP in charge of Research & Development for Nissan Americas, Carla Bailo has to walk a delicate line -- continue to provide the company with ICE vehicles all while working with Japan to develop those ground-breaking high mileage electric cars.

Joining host John McElroy and Ms. Bailo on this week’s Autoline are Brent Snavley from the Detroit Free Press and Lindsay Brooke with Automotive Engineering International.

“Delusion vs. Deluding”

Peter De Lorenzo, Editor-In-Chief, Autoextremist.com, Christie Nordhielm, Ph.D., University Of Michigan, Michael Robinet, IHS Automotive. Topic: Are automakers deluding their brands?

We buy brands. Sure, there are those consumers who diligently search out the best product or deal, but for the most part, Americans love their brands. Especially when it comes to cars. But as the competition continues to get tougher, how are car companies caring for those brands? On Autoline This Week John McElroy is joined by a panel of marketing experts who explore the provocative questions: are some automakers deluding their brands by removing the essence that made it special, or are their marketing departments delusional believing everything is just fine and they don’t need any TLC. Joining John with insight on those topics and more are Christie Nordhielm, Marketing Professor from the University of Michigan, Peter De Lorenzo, Editor-in-Chief of Autoextremist.com and Michael Robinet an analyst with IHS Automotive.

“MPGee Whiz”

Roger Clark, Senior Mgr. Energy Center, GM, Dr. Mircea Gradu, VP, Powertrain, Chrysler, Christopher Thomas, VP, Adv. Engineering, BorgWarner. Topic: Powertrains and fuel economy.

There are more cars on the road getting 40 miles per gallon than ever before. Partly due to new CAFE standards and driven by the engineers at OEMs and their suppliers, consumers now have a number of gas-saving powertrains to choose from today. Whether it’s the new ICEs, hybrids, electrics or a plug-in version like the Volt, we’ve never had more fuel efficient transportation that didn’t walk on four legs. On Autoline This Week John McElroy talks to a panel of powertrain experts about today’s advancements and what will be driving us in the near future and beyond. Joining John are Christopher Thomas from BorgWarner’s Advanced Engineering Group, Roger Clark from GM’s Energy Center, and Chrysler Powertrain VP Dr. Mircea Gradu.

“We Try Harder”

Vishnu Jayamohan, Product Planner, Nissan North America, Bill Krueger, Vice Chairman, Nissan Americas, Susan Brennan, Vice President, Manufacturing - Smyrna, Nissan North America. Topic: Nissan.

In 1963 Avis Rent-a-Car came up with iconic “We Try Harder” slogan, which it has carried ever since. But it also seems to be the perfect phrase to describe the current race for the number one selling car in America. After years of playing not just second but third fiddle to the Toyota Camry & the Honda Accord, Nissan has unveiled its striking new Altima and believes this car is prepared to finally challenge that number one slot. That’s why John McElroy & Autoline go on-the-road this week to Nashville, Tennessee to visit the home of Nissan Americas and to talk with the team in charge of taking Altima to #1.

“Plugging Along”

Manny Lopez, Michigan Capitol Confidential, Joe White, The Wall Street Journal, Gary Witzenburg, Freelance Auto Writer. Topic: The Chevy Volt Controversy.

It won nearly every serious automotive award and had a huge carbon-free footprint of positive reviews from critics and consumers alike. So if that’s the case, why is the Volt GM’s slowest selling product? More than that, why does there seem to be such a negative charge to the car? People across the country who have never even seen a Volt let alone driven this engineering marvel have nothing good to say about it, confounding both auto analysts and company executives

On Autoline This Week John McElroy and his panel look at the strange state of GM’s engineering masterpiece the Volt. Joining John on the panel are Joe White of the Wall Street Journal, Manny Lopez from the Michigan Capitol Confidential and Gary Witzenburg an auto journalist and former engineer on GM’s original electric project, the EV1.

“Highly Charged”

Fred Fresard, Dykema, Thomas G. Livernois, Ph.D., P.E., Design Research Engineering, Mike Ramsey, The Wall Street Journal. Topic: Auto industry legal issues.

As more and more of those alternatively-powered vehicles hit the streets around America, the potential legal issues grow. We’ve already seen batteries burst into flames so who knows what lies ahead with hybrids, pure electrics, hydrogen or natural gas vehicles? Manufacturers are keeping a close eye on the situation within not only their research and development departments, but legal ones as well. Joining John McElroy to talk about these potentially explosive issues is an expert panel including, Fred Fresard from the suburban Detroit law firm Dykema, automotive consultant Thomas Livernois and Mike Ramsey from the Wall Street Journal.

“Excellent Interiors”

Klaus Busse, Head of Interior Design, Chrysler, Fiona Doskocz, Design Manager, Benecke-Kaliko, Gerald Winslow, VP, Marketing, InfiChem Polymers. Topic: Interior design and quality.

Both boardrooms and government agencies are guiding design teams to create the vehicles of tomorrow. But how you achieve cost-savings and meet standards all in a slick package remains the (insert outrageous cost projection amount here) question.

On Autoline This Week John McElroy brings together a cutting-edge panel of auto experts who are doing just that on the inside with interiors. Klaus Busse sees it from the OEM side as Head of Chrysler Group Interior Design. Meanwhile, representing the supplier community are Fiona Doskocz with Benecke-Kaliko and Gerald Winslow, VP of Sales & Marketing for InfiChem Polymers LLC.

“Innovation for All”

Carla Bailo, Senior VP, R & D, Nissan Americas, Lindsay Brooke, Automotive Engineering Int’l, Brent Snavely, Detroit Free Press. Topic: Nissan R&D.

How to break the ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) ceiling? Some manufacturers don’t think we need to and continue to upgrade their current crop of engines. But then there are companies like Nissan-Renault, whose leader Carlos Ghosn, gave the world the all-electric Leaf and is continuing down that path.

As Senior VP in charge of Research & Development for Nissan Americas, Carla Bailo has to walk a delicate line -- continue to provide the company with ICE vehicles all while working with Japan to develop those ground-breaking high mileage electric cars.

Joining host John McElroy and Ms. Bailo on this week’s Autoline are Brent Snavley from the Detroit Free Press and Lindsay Brooke with Automotive Engineering International.

“Plugging Along”

Manny Lopez, Michigan Capitol Confidential, Joe White, The Wall Street Journal, Gary Witzenburg, Freelance Auto Writer. Topic: The Chevy Volt Controversy.

It won nearly every serious automotive award and had a huge carbon-free footprint of positive reviews from critics and consumers alike. So if that’s the case, why is the Volt GM’s slowest selling product? More than that, why does there seem to be such a negative charge to the car? People across the country who have never even seen a Volt let alone driven this engineering marvel have nothing good to say about it, confounding both auto analysts and company executives

On Autoline This Week John McElroy and his panel look at the strange state of GM’s engineering masterpiece the Volt. Joining John on the panel are Joe White of the Wall Street Journal, Manny Lopez from the Michigan Capitol Confidential and Gary Witzenburg an auto journalist and former engineer on GM’s original electric project, the EV1.

“Capitol Car Talk”

Phil Murtaugh, CEO, Coda Automotive, Roland Hwang, Natural Resources Defense Council, Dave Zuchowski, EVP, Sales, Hyundai Motor America, Margo Oge, Dir., Trans. & Air Quality, U.S. EPA. Topic: Cars and politics.

Washington, D.C. has been leading a double life of late. Not only is it the American Capitol but it seems to have usurped the title of the Motor City from Detroit as well. With federal loans to automakers, Car Czars and CAFE requirements, there’s been an extraordinary amount of auto activity in the District the last few years.

That’s one of the reasons that Autoline visited our nation’s capitol earlier this year to talk autos with a variety of influencers. Join John McElroy on this week’s show as he speaks with Phil Murtaugh from CODA Automotive, Roland Hwang of the Natural Resources Defense Council, Dave Zukchowski from Hyundai Motor America and Margo Oge of the Environmental Protection Agency.

Guests

• Phil Murtaugh, CEO, Coda Automotive
• Roland Hwang, Natural Resources Defense Council
• Dave Zuchowski, EVP, Sales, Hyundai Motor America
• Margo Oge, Dir., Trans. & Air Quality, U.S. EPA

“Outraged”

Tammy Darvish, DARCARS Automotive Group, Jeff Duvall, Duvall Automotive, Phil Painter, Painter Automotive. Topic: Car dealers forced to give up business.

National Rifle Association members are famous for their passionate slogan “I’ll give you my gun when you take it from my cold, dead hands.” Well, slogans are great but in the end they’re only words. Just ask those American car dealers who, over the last few years, had their franchises unceremoniously ripped from their very live hands and were powerless to stop it.

On Autoline This Week John McElroy talks to mega dealer and author Tammy Darvish about her book “Outraged – How Detroit and the Wall Street Car Czars Killed the American Dream” as well as two of her fellow dealers – one former & one still fighting – as they discuss what it’s like to have corporate America try to deal independent business owners a death blow.

“The Cadillac Chronicles”

John Steele Gordon, Historian, Johnnie Bassett, Cadillac Owner, Bill Gaskins, Photographer, Don Butler, VP, Cadillac Marketing. Topic: How African-American men saved Cadillac.

Cadillac has long been known as the Standard of the World when it comes to luxury, but especially cars. However, no matter how good the product, even standards can hit on hard times which is what happened to the brand when it nearly closed its doors in the 1930s. Luckily it was saved by a group of men who, at that time, couldn’t even officially buy the car. On Autoline This Week join host John McElroy, Economic Historian John Steele Gordon, Photographer Bill Gaskins and Blues musician Johnnie Basset for a provocative discussion on how African-American men saved the Cadillac brand.

Guests

• Don Butler, VP, Cadillac Marketing

“Holding Their Breath”

Charles Chesbrough, Senior Economist, IHS Automotive, Ellen Hughes-Cromwick, Chief Economist, Ford Motor Co., Mustafa Mohatarem, Chief Economist, General Motors. Topic: 2012 Automotive Outlook.

Children do it out of spite when they don't get their way. They may turn a different color for a bit but the good news is it usually doesn't last very long. However, when economists hold their collective breath that's a bit more mysterious. Being an inexact science, the answer is open for interpretation -- a conservative economist sees it one way while a liberal economist sees it another. There is no agreed avenue to prosperity which is unfortunate especially for those whose business it is to watch the auto industry. Unemployment spikes to near record levels and lo and behold auto sales rise. Huh? It's not supposed to happen that way. Maybe it's time to break out the emergency tea leaves.

So as Autoline prepares to examine the automotive outlook in 2012, instead of those tea leaves, John McElroy turns to three top professionals in the auto industry to take a look at what they believe is going to happen around the globe. Joining his panel this week are the Chief Economists from Ford, Ellen Hughes-Cromwick, and her counterpart at General Motors Mustafa Mohatarem along with Charles Chesbrough, IHS Automotive's Senior Principal Economist.

“Smile - Part 1”

Jim Farley, Group VP, Global Marketing, Ford, Reid Bigland, President & CEO, Dodge, Mary Barra, Senior VP, Global Product, GM. Topic: Executive interviews from NAIAS.

It was a masterwork in the making that suddenly became the Rip Van Winkle of records. That project was Beach Boy Brian Wilson's 1967 composition "Smile" which was finally released just a few years ago. Given the global economy of late, It's not surprising that car shows have endeared a similar soporific stage. With the auto industry riding a strong wave of creativity and sales throughout the decade, suddenly the 2008 economic meltdown shook the industry to the core -- something that not even auto shows could avoid. Iconic showcases like the North American International Auto Show became mere shadows of what they were just a few years earlier. While some manufacturers offered striped down exhibits, others didn't show up at all. But fast forward three years to the 2012 show where the NAIAS is once again at the top of its game and "Smile" is what manufacturers and the world press were doing as they viewed all the new product.

Joining John McElroy on Autoline This Week from the floor of the 2012 Detroit Auto Show are three auto executives who are all smiles indeed. Jim Farley is the Group Vice President of Global Marketing for Ford which has been on a roll with its EcoBoost technology, Reid Bigland is the president & CEO of the Dodge Brand which unveiled its hot new Dodge Dart at the show and Mary Barra, GM's Senior VP of Global Product Development whose products have helped the company regain the title as the world's #1 automaker.

Guests

• Jim Farley, Group VP, Global Marketing, Ford
• Reid Bigland, President & CEO, Dodge
• Mary Barra, Senior VP, Global Product, GM

“Accelerating East”

Michael Dunne, President, Dunne & Company, Sharon Terlep, The Wall Street Journal, David Welch, Bloomberg/BusinessWeek. Topic: China's Auto Industry.

China is a communist country with capitalist tastes and the money in the bank to prove it. That’s why nearly all Western automotive manufacturers are now in the country importing, building and selling cars. But despite all this economic attention, Chinese consumers are still a mystery to many in the auto industry. Thank goodness for men like Michael Dunne who packed up and moved to China some 25 years ago. Over that quarter century this automotive consultant has learned plenty about China, its people and manufacturers like General Motors who brought its products east early on. This week on Autoline Michael Dunne joins John McElroy, Sharon Terlep of the Wall Street Journal and David Welch of Bloomberg BusinessWeek to talk about his book “American Wheels, Chinese Roads” and the exploding Chinese automotive market.

“Simply the Best...truck”

Drew Winter, WardsAuto World, Lindsay Brooke, Automotive Engineering International. Topic: North American Truck of the Year.

About the same time the great Tina Turner made the phrase “Simply the Best” household words, a group known as NACTOY was creating its own “best.” But this one – built by 50 veteran automotive journalists -- was a list of the top cars and trucks released in North America that year. Since then, every December that jury narrows its list to three candidates and prepares to crown the winner of the North American Car & Truck of the Year at Detroit’s International Auto Show in January. On this week’s Autoline, founding member John McElroy is joined by two of his NACTOY colleagues to talk about the top trucks, SUVs & Crossovers of the year and to predict the winner of this year’s North American Truck of the Year.